Cutting apparatus

ABSTRACT

Cutting apparatus for cutting a blank from a web of sheet material characterized by a knife roll having a knife engraved on the surface thereof and a mating fixed knife cutting bar having a concave portion where the knife engages same and having a longitudinal configuration so that the web is cut in a shearlike action.

United States Patent John William Thousand, Jr. Crestwood, M0.

Jan. 22, 1970 Oct. 12, 1971 St. Regis Paper Company New York, N.Y.

Inventor Appl. No. Filed Patented Assignee CUTTING APPARATUS 14 Claims, 7 Drawing Figs.

US. Cl 83/100, 83/152, 83/154, 83/341, 83/349, 83/658, 83/911 Int. Cl 823d 25/08 Field of Search 83/100, 152, 154, 341, 342, 349, 658, 911

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,380,327 4/1968 Stemmler 83/349 X 3,401,585 9/1968 Schmermund 83/349 X Primary Examiner.lames M. Meister Attorney-Ward, McElhannon, Brooks & Fitzpatrick ABSTRACT: Cutting apparatus for cutting a blank from a web of sheet material characterized by a knife roll having a knife engraved on the surface thereof and a mating fixed knife cutting bar having a concave portion where the knife engages same and having a longitudinal configuration so that the web is cut in a shearlike action.

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SHEEI u or 4 cur'rmc APPARATUS This invention relates to cutting blanks from elongated webs of sheet material, and it is particularly adapted, among other possible applications for use in forming envelope blanks.

While many different types of cutting apparatus have heretofor been used with reasonable success, difiiculty has been experienced in making good clean cuts in all directions repeatedly when operating at high web speeds. In addition, difficulty has been experienced in disposing of the waste material and in the manner of removing the completed blanks from the machine.

The present invention involves a novel combination of elements combined in such a way as to provide a very efficient solution to the difficulties encountered with the prior art, as will become apparent as the description proceeds.

In view of the foregoing, this invention contemplates the provision of new and improved apparatusfor cutting blanks from a web of sheet material characterized by a knife roll rotatably mounted for carrying the web partially therearound. A knife is engraved on the face of the knife roll corresponding to the configuration of the blank to be cut. A fixed knife anvil cutter bar is mounted adjacent the knife roll, said bar having a concave portion and having a longitudinal twisting configuration where the knife engages same. The web is cut in a shearlike action while passing between the fixed cutter bar and the knife.

In one form of my invention, the knife passes through an arc of about l of rotation of the knife roll while in engagement with the fixed knife anvil cutter bar.

In conformity with another form of the invention, suction means are provided for retaining the blank on the knife roll between the cutting position and the position wherein the blanks are transferred to the transfer roll, and air pressure assist means are provided for removing the blanks from the knife roll to the transfer roll.

In accordance with another form of the invention, a first pair of draw rolls are provided for the passage of the web therebetween prior to the cutting station, said first pair of draw rolls including a first draw roll and a common draw roll, a secondary pair of draw rolls disposed subsequent to the cutting station, said secondary pair of draw rolls including a second draw roll and said common draw roll. That is, the first draw roll and the second draw roll operate from the common draw roll, so that the feed and pull on the web is the same and a constant web tension is maintained over the knife.

There has thus been outlined rather broadly the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the. invention that will be described more fully hereinafter. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception on which this disclosure is based may readily'be utilized as the basis for the basis of the designing of other structures for carrying out the several purposes of the invention. It is important, therefore, that this disclosure be regarded as including such equivalent constructions as do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Several embodiments of the invention have been chosen for purposes of illustration and description and are shown in the accompanying drawings forming a part of the specification wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a cutting apparatus constructed in accordance with the concept of this invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view showing the cutting means of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line indicated at 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary, end elevation of the apparatus;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged planview of a blank cut on the apparatus of the invention;

FIG. 6 is an end elevation of another embodiment of cutting apparatus according to this invention; and

FIG. 7 is an enlarged plan view of the blanks cut on theapparatus of FIG. 7. l

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in F IGS. 1-5, and with particular reference to FIG. 1, the cutting apparatus includes a pair of spaced main side frames 10. A pair of draw or feed rolls l2 and 14 is mounted on the side frame 10, as at 16 and 18, respectively, and a rotary knife assembly, indicated generally 20, is also mounted on the side frames, as at 22. v

As best seen in FIG. 2, the rotary knife assembly 20 includes a crossmember 24 and a pair of spaced side members 26 mounted thereon, as at 28. A knife roll 30 is mounted in bearings 32 on the side members 26 and a drive gear 34 serves to rotate same. A knife 36 is engraved on the face of the knife roll 30 in the shape of an envelope blank 38, FIG. 5. A cutter bar holder 40, FIG. 2, is mounted on the side members 26, as at 42, and secured in position by setscrews 44. A fixed knife anvil cutter bar assembly 46 is mounted on the cutter bar holder and secured thereto as by means of set screws 48 and 50, provided for the purpose. As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the cutter for assembly includes a wear strip 52. The strip is fabricated from a suitable material, such as tungsten carbide, for example. The strip has a concave portion where the knife engages same and, as seen in FIG. 3, the strip has a longitudinal twist so that the blank can be cut in any direction.

Referring to FIG. 1, a blank transfer roll 54 is mounted on the side frame 10, as at 56, and a blank finger roller 58 is mounted on the side frame adjacent the transfer roll. A conveyor 60 is disposed adjacent the blank finger roll for'receiving the finished blanks therefrom. As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, a waste roll 62 is mounted for engagement with the knife roll 30, as at 64. A waste suction chute 66, FIG. 4, serves to remove the waste material from the machine.

In operation a web 68 of sheet material enters the machine between the feed rolls l2 and 14 and passes partially around the roll 14, FIG. 4, in the direction of arrow 70. The web is then wrapped and held to the knife roll 30. As the web passes between the knife 36 on the knife roll 30 and the cutter bar assembly 46, the envelope blank is cut. The web is cut in a shearinglike action while passing over the cutter bar assembly where a straight out passes through about 10 of rotation of the knife roll before it is completed. Because of the twist in the cutter bar assembly, there is created a point to point cut, and the cut may extend in any direction including transverse or parallel to the web. After passing through the cutting station the envelope blank is retained on the knife roll by means of a vacuum at suction openings 72, FIG. 4. The suction is supplied by suitable suction means, indicated generally at 74, located internally of the knife roll. At the point 76 where the knife roll engages the blank transfer roll 54 the envelope blank is released by blowing compressed air through the vacuum openings 72, the compressed air being supplied by suitable means, indicated generally at 78, located internally of the knife roll. The envelope blanks 38 pass around the transfer roll 54 in the direction as indicated by arrow 80. Thereafter, as seen in FIG. 1, the blank finger roll 58 picks the blanks 38 off the transfer roll 54 and carries them to the conveyor 60 where they are taken away.

Reverting to FIG. 4, after the envelope blanks 38 leave the knife roll 30 at point 76 the waste material 82 continues on around the knife roll until it reaches point 64 where the knife roll 30 engages the waste roll 62 where it is released by blowing compressed air through vacuum openings 84, the compressed air being supplied by suitable means, indicated generally at 86, located internally of the knife roll. Then the waste material 82 passes about 180 around the waste roll 62 and is held thereto by vacuum at suctionopenings 88. The suction is supplied by suitable suctionmeans, indicated generally at 90, located internally of the roll 62. At point 92, the waste material is discharged and taken away in the waste suction chute 66.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7,.a web 94 is fed into the machine, as indicated by arrows 96, and passes arounda guide roll 98 and thenbetween a first draw roll 100 and a common draw roll I02. Thereafter, the

roll 94 passes partially around a knife roll 104 having a knife 106 engraved on the face thereof. The knife roll 104 is constructed and operates in the same manner as the knife roll 30 described hereinbefore in connection with the embodiment of the FIGS. 1-5. A fixed knife anvil cutter bar assembly 108, having a strip 110 mounted thereon, is disposed adjacent the knife roll 104. The cutter bar assembly 108 is constructed and operates in a manner like the cutter bar assembly 46 described hereinbefore. Accordingly, an envelope blank 112, FIG. 7, is cut when the web 94 passes between the knife roll 104 and the cutter bar 108 with the exception of the four corners 114, the blank 112 being held in the web 94 by these four points. The web is pulled past the knife by a secondary pair of draw rolls which include a roll 116 that engages the common drum roll 102. It will be appreciated that because the first draw roll 100 and the secondary draw roll 116 operate from the common draw roll 102, that feeds and pulls the exact amount of web and maintains a constant web tension over the knife. The roll 116 is adjustable because it is eccentrically mounted on a shaft 118 and carries an arm 120 which is connected to a fluid piston-cylinder assembly 122, said assembly being actuated by a valve 124.

In a similar manner the roll 100 is eccentrically mounted on a shaft 126 and carries an arm 128 which is actuated by suitable means (not shown),

lt will thus be seen that the present invention does indeed provide an improved cutting apparatus which is superior in simplicity, economy and efficiency as compared to prior art such devices.

Although certain particular embodiments of the invention are herein disclosed for purposes of explanation, various modifications thereof, after study of the specification, will be apparent to those skilled in he art to which the invention pertains.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent 1. A cutting apparatus for cutting a blank from a web of sheet material comprising a knife roll rotatably mounted for carrying said web partially therearound, a knife being engraved on the face of said knife roll corresponding to the configuration of said blank, a fixed knife anvil cutter bar mounted adjacent said knife roll, said cutter bar having a concave portion where said knife engages same, said cutter bar having a longitudinally twisted configuration, said web being cut in a shearlike action while passing between the fixed anvil cutter bar and the knife.

2. Apparatus for cutting a blank from a web of sheet material according to claim 1 further comprising a pair of side frames, a pair of draw rolls mounted between said side frames for the passage of said web therebetween, said knife roll being mounted between said side frames, and a drive gear mounted on said knife roll.

3. Apparatus for cutting a blank from a web of sheet materi al according to claim 1 further comprising a pair of side frames, and wherein said knife roll is part ofa rotary knife assembly which includes a crossmember, a pair of spaced side members mounted on said crossmember, said knife roll being mounted on said side members, and said side member being removably mounted on the side frames.

4. Cutting apparatus for cutting a blank from a web of sheet material according to claim 1 wherein said cutter bar is constructed and arranged with respect to said knife roll for said cutting action to extend for about 10 of rotation of said knife roll.

5. Apparatus for cutting a blank from a web of sheet materi al according to claim 1 further comprising a pair of side frames, a cutter bar holder mounted on said frames, said fixed knife anvil cutter bar being mounted on said cutter bar holder, said cutter bar having a wear strip for engaging said knife roll.

6. Apparatus for cutting blanks from a web of sheet material according to claim 1 further comprising a blank transfer roll mounted adjacent said knife roll about 90 subsequent to the cutting position of said roll.

jacent said finger roll for receiving blanks from said finger roll.

9. Apparatus for cutting blanks from a web of sheet material according to claim further comprising a waste roll disposed adjacent said knife roll subsequent to said transfer roll in the direction of rotation of said knife roll for receiving waste material from said knife roll, a waste suction chute disposed adjacent said waste roll for disposal of waste material from said machine.

10. Apparatus for cutting blanks from a web of sheet material according to claim 1 further comprising a first pair of draw rolls including a first draw roll and a common draw roll for the passage of said web therebetween before said web passes to said knife roll, a second pair of draw rolls including a second draw roll and said common draw roll for the passage of said web therebetween subsequent to the passage of said web past said knife roll.

11. A cutting apparatus for cutting blanks from continuous web of sheet material comprising a first pair of draw rolls including a first draw roll and a common draw roll, a knife roll upon which said web passes partially around, said knife roll having a knife engraved on the face a fixed fixed knife anvil cutter bar disposed adjacent said knife roll, a wear strip mounted on said fixed knife anvil cutter bar, said web passing between said knife and said wear strip for cutting blanks from said web except for a small selected portion of said web remaining intact for carrying said blank therewith, a secondary pair of draw rolls including a second draw roll and said common draw roll, for receiving said web therebetween and passing same out of said machine.

12. A cutting apparatus for cutting a blank in a web of sheet material comprising a pair of side frames, a pair of draw rolls mounted between said side frames for the passage of said web therebetween, a rotary knife assembly removably mounted on the side frames, said assembly including a crossmember and a pair of spaced side members mounted thereon, a knife roll rotatably mounted on said side members, a drive gear mounted on said knife roll, a knife being engraved on the face of said knife roll and having a contour corresponding to said blank, a cutter bar holder mounted on said side frames, a fixed knife anvil cutter bar mounted on said cutter bar holder, said cutter bar having a wear strip, said strip having a concave portion where said knife engages same, said strip having a longitudinal twisting configuration, said web being cut in a shearlike action while passing over the fixed strip for about l0 of rota tion of said knife roll, a blank transfer roll mounted on said side frames adjacent said knife roll for receiving cut blanks therefrom, a blank finger roll mounted adjacent said transfer roll for receiving completed blanks therefrom, a conveyor disposed adjacent said finger roll for receiving blanks from said finger roll, a waste roll disposed adjacent said knife roll subsequent to said transfer roll in the direction of rotation of said knife roll for receiving waste material from said knife roll, a waste suction chute disposed adjacent said waste roll for disposal of waste material from said machine.

13. Apparatus for cutting blanks from a web of sheet material according to claim 12 further comprising suction means for retaining said web on said knife roll between the cutting position of said knife roll and the position where the blanks are transferred from the knife roll to the transfer roll, and air pressure assist means for removing said blanks from said knife roll to said transfer roll.

14. A cutting apparatus for cutting a blank in a web of sheet material comprising a pair of side frames. a pair of draw rolls mounted between said side frames for the passage of said web therebetween, a rotary knife assembly mounted on the side frames, said assembly including a crossmember and a pair of spaced side members mounted thereon, a knife roll rotatably mounted on said side members, a drive gear mounted on said knife roll, a knife being engraved on the face of said knife roll and having a contour corresponding to said blank, a cutter bar holder mounted on said side frames, a fixed knife anvil cutter bar mounted on said cutter bar holder, said cutter bar having a wear strip, said strip having a concave portion where said knife engages same, said strip having a longitudinal twisting configuration, said web being cut in a shearlike action while passing over the fixed strip for about of rotation of said knife roll, a blank transfer roll mounted on said side frames adjacent said knife roll for receiving cut blanks therefrom, suction means for retaining said web on said knife roll between the cutting position of said knife roll and the position wherein the blanks are transferred from the knife roll to the transfer roll, air pressure assist means for removing said blanks from said knife roll to said transfer roll, a blank finger roll mounted adjacent said transfer roll for receiving completed blanks therefrom, a conveyor disposed adjacent said finger roll for receiving blanks from said finger roll, a waste roll disposed adjacent said knife roll subsequent to said transfer roll in the direction of rotation of said knife roll for receiving waste material from said knife roll, a waste suction chute disposed adjacent said waste roll for disposal of waste material from said machine, and suction means for returning said waste material on said waste roll as said material travels around said waste roll from said knife roll to said waste suction chute. 

1. A cutting apparatus for cutting a blank from a web of sheet material comprising a knife roll rotatably mounted for carrying said web partially therearound, a knife being engraved on the face of said knife roll corresponding to the configuration of said blank, a fixed knife anvil cutter bar mounted adjacent said knife roll, said cutter bar having a concave portion where said knife engages same, said cutter bar having a longitudinally twisted configuration, said web being cut in a shearlike action while passing between the fixed anvil cutter bar and the knife.
 2. Apparatus for cutting a blank from a web of sheet material according to claim 1 further comprising a pair of siDe frames, a pair of draw rolls mounted between said side frames for the passage of said web therebetween, said knife roll being mounted between said side frames, and a drive gear mounted on said knife roll.
 3. Apparatus for cutting a blank from a web of sheet material according to claim 1 further comprising a pair of side frames, and wherein said knife roll is part of a rotary knife assembly which includes a crossmember, a pair of spaced side members mounted on said crossmember, said knife roll being mounted on said side members, and said side member being removably mounted on the side frames.
 4. Cutting apparatus for cutting a blank from a web of sheet material according to claim 1 wherein said cutter bar is constructed and arranged with respect to said knife roll for said cutting action to extend for about 10* of rotation of said knife roll.
 5. Apparatus for cutting a blank from a web of sheet material according to claim 1 further comprising a pair of side frames, a cutter bar holder mounted on said frames, said fixed knife anvil cutter bar being mounted on said cutter bar holder, said cutter bar having a wear strip for engaging said knife roll.
 6. Apparatus for cutting blanks from a web of sheet material according to claim 1 further comprising a blank transfer roll mounted adjacent said knife roll about 90* subsequent to the cutting position of said roll.
 7. Apparatus for cutting blanks from a web of sheet material according to claim 6 further comprising a waste roll disposed adjacent said knife roll about 180* subsequent to the cutting position of said roll.
 8. Apparatus for cutting blanks from a web of sheet material according to claim 1 further comprising a transfer roll adjacent said knife roll for receiving cut blanks therefrom, a blank finger roll mounted adjacent said transfer roll for receiving completed blanks therefrom and a conveyor disposed adjacent said finger roll for receiving blanks from said finger roll.
 9. Apparatus for cutting blanks from a web of sheet material according to claim further comprising a waste roll disposed adjacent said knife roll subsequent to said transfer roll in the direction of rotation of said knife roll for receiving waste material from said knife roll, a waste suction chute disposed adjacent said waste roll for disposal of waste material from said machine.
 10. Apparatus for cutting blanks from a web of sheet material according to claim 1 further comprising a first pair of draw rolls including a first draw roll and a common draw roll for the passage of said web therebetween before said web passes to said knife roll, a second pair of draw rolls including a second draw roll and said common draw roll for the passage of said web therebetween subsequent to the passage of said web past said knife roll.
 11. A cutting apparatus for cutting blanks from continuous web of sheet material comprising a first pair of draw rolls including a first draw roll and a common draw roll, a knife roll upon which said web passes partially around, said knife roll having a knife engraved on the face a fixed fixed knife anvil cutter bar disposed adjacent said knife roll, a wear strip mounted on said fixed knife anvil cutter bar, said web passing between said knife and said wear strip for cutting blanks from said web except for a small selected portion of said web remaining intact for carrying said blank therewith, a secondary pair of draw rolls including a second draw roll and said common draw roll, for receiving said web therebetween and passing same out of said machine.
 12. A cutting apparatus for cutting a blank in a web of sheet material comprising a pair of side frames, a pair of draw rolls mounted between said side frames for the passage of said web therebetween, a rotary knife assembly removably mounted on the side frames, said assembly including a crossmember and a pair of spaced side members mounted thereon, a knife roll rotatably mounted on said side members, a drive gear mounted on said Knife roll, a knife being engraved on the face of said knife roll and having a contour corresponding to said blank, a cutter bar holder mounted on said side frames, a fixed knife anvil cutter bar mounted on said cutter bar holder, said cutter bar having a wear strip, said strip having a concave portion where said knife engages same, said strip having a longitudinal twisting configuration, said web being cut in a shearlike action while passing over the fixed strip for about 10* of rotation of said knife roll, a blank transfer roll mounted on said side frames adjacent said knife roll for receiving cut blanks therefrom, a blank finger roll mounted adjacent said transfer roll for receiving completed blanks therefrom, a conveyor disposed adjacent said finger roll for receiving blanks from said finger roll, a waste roll disposed adjacent said knife roll subsequent to said transfer roll in the direction of rotation of said knife roll for receiving waste material from said knife roll, a waste suction chute disposed adjacent said waste roll for disposal of waste material from said machine.
 13. Apparatus for cutting blanks from a web of sheet material according to claim 12 further comprising suction means for retaining said web on said knife roll between the cutting position of said knife roll and the position where the blanks are transferred from the knife roll to the transfer roll, and air pressure assist means for removing said blanks from said knife roll to said transfer roll.
 14. A cutting apparatus for cutting a blank in a web of sheet material comprising a pair of side frames, a pair of draw rolls mounted between said side frames for the passage of said web therebetween, a rotary knife assembly mounted on the side frames, said assembly including a crossmember and a pair of spaced side members mounted thereon, a knife roll rotatably mounted on said side members, a drive gear mounted on said knife roll, a knife being engraved on the face of said knife roll and having a contour corresponding to said blank, a cutter bar holder mounted on said side frames, a fixed knife anvil cutter bar mounted on said cutter bar holder, said cutter bar having a wear strip, said strip having a concave portion where said knife engages same, said strip having a longitudinal twisting configuration, said web being cut in a shearlike action while passing over the fixed strip for about 10* of rotation of said knife roll, a blank transfer roll mounted on said side frames adjacent said knife roll for receiving cut blanks therefrom, suction means for retaining said web on said knife roll between the cutting position of said knife roll and the position wherein the blanks are transferred from the knife roll to the transfer roll, air pressure assist means for removing said blanks from said knife roll to said transfer roll, a blank finger roll mounted adjacent said transfer roll for receiving completed blanks therefrom, a conveyor disposed adjacent said finger roll for receiving blanks from said finger roll, a waste roll disposed adjacent said knife roll subsequent to said transfer roll in the direction of rotation of said knife roll for receiving waste material from said knife roll, a waste suction chute disposed adjacent said waste roll for disposal of waste material from said machine, and suction means for returning said waste material on said waste roll as said material travels around said waste roll from said knife roll to said waste suction chute. 